2405:201:4011:307E:5D66:A0A4:1A94:7E7 at 16:52, 12 November 2022

2022-11-12T16:52:01Z

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{{Short description|Indian Air Force unit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Garud Special Forces
| image = IAF-Garud_SF.png
| image_size =
| caption =
| role = * [[Air assault]]
* [[Airborne forces]]
* Airfield control and defense
* [[Air traffic control]]
* [[Close protection]]
* [[Close quarters combat]]
* [[Combat search and rescue]]
* [[Counter-insurgency]]
* [[Counter-Terrorism]]
* [[Direct action (military)|Direct Action]]
* Proximate security
* [[Fire support]]
* [[Foreign internal defense]]
* [[Forward air control]]
* [[Hostage|Hostage rescue]]
* [[Human intelligence (intelligence gathering)|HUMINT]]
* [[Peacekeeping]]
* [[Personnel recovery]]
* [[Reconnaissance|Reconnaissance missions]]
* [[Special operations]]
* [[Special reconnaissance]]
* [[Unconventional Warfare]]
| motto = ॥प्रहार से सुरक्षा॥(Translation: Defence by Offence)
| start_date = {{Start date|df=yes|paren=yes|br=yes|2004|2|06}} - present
| dates =
| country = {{flagcountry|India}}
| branch = {{air force|India}}
| type = [[Special forces of India|Special Forces]]
| size = [[Classified information|Classified]]
| command_structure =
| garrison = [[Hindan Air Force Station|Hindan AFS]] [[Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]
| garrison_label =
| nickname =
| colors =
| colors_label =
| battles = [[MONUC|MONUC (Congo)]] [[Security]] during [[Aero India|Aero India 2005/2007/2011/2013]] [[Kashmir conflict]] [[2016 Pathankot attack]] [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]
| decorations = 1 Ashok Chakra, 4 Shaurya Chakra
| battle_honours = 
| commander1 =
| commander1_label =
| notable_commanders = 
| identification_symbol = [[File:Special forces.png|170px|center]]
| identification_symbol_label = ''Special Forces'' shoulder tab
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:IAF garud patch.svg|150px|center]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Sleeve patch
}}
The '''Garud Commando Force''' is the [[special forces]] unit of the [[Indian Air Force]]. It was formed in September 2004 and has a current strength of over 1500 personnel.<ref name="business-standard2">{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|date=2017-10-12|access-date=2018-10-14}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=http://www.india.com/news/india/iaf-to-induct-700-more-garud-commandos-913343/|title=IAF to induct 700 more Garud commandos|date=2016-02-02|website=India.com|access-date=2016-02-03}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-plans-to-raise-10-more-garud-squadrons/articleshow/50825527.cms|title=IAF plans to raise 10 more Garud squadrons - The Economic Times|website=The Economic Times|access-date=2016-02-03}}</ref> The unit derives its name from ''[[Garuda]]'', a divine bird-like creature in Hindu culture.

Garud forces are tasked with the protection of critical Air Force bases and installations; search and rescue during peace time and hostilities and disaster relief during calamities.<ref name="PIB Sep 072">{{cite press release|title=Constitution of Commando Force|publisher=Press Information Bureau, [[Government of India]]|date=18 December 2003|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=262|access-date=2008-07-25}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20110605224056/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=262 Archived] from the original in [[Wayback Machine]].</ref> Presently, Garuds are deployed in [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/09iaf1.htm|title=IAF's Garuda Force to be sent to Congo|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=2018-04-25}}</ref> as part of the [[MONUC|UN peace keeping operations]].

== History ==
[[File:IAF Garud commando.jpg|thumb|IAF Garud commando]]
After attempts by terrorists to attack two major air bases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001, Indian Air Force commanders felt the need for a specialized force to protect these critical elements and to have a dedicated Commando Force trained in [[Special Forces]] techniques, [[Combat Search and Rescue]], [[Reconnaissance]], [[Counterinsurgency|Counter Insurgency]] (COIN) Operations and Emergency in response to terror-threats to airfields.

While the Army might have provided some Special forces units to the Air Force, its units were always subject to being posted out on rotation to other areas as per the Army's requirements. It was felt that the specialized training the air force would have provided such units would have to be repeated again and again for the replacement units.

The initial plans mooted in October 2001 called for a specialized force with 2000 [[commando]]s. The group was originally called "Tiger Force", but was later renamed as "Garud Force".<ref name="ToI 2002">{{Cite web|date=1 October 2002|title=IAF to form commando force to protect airbases|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-10-01/india/27318740_1_commando-force-airbases-indian-air-force-plans|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022141108/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-10-01/india/27318740_1_commando-force-airbases-indian-air-force-plans|archive-date=22 October 2012|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref>

In order to address the need for a dedicated force, in September 2003, the [[Government of India]] authorized a 1080 strong force to be raised and trained on the lines of the [[Para SF]] of the Army and [[MARCOS]] of the [[Indian Navy]],<ref name="PIB Sep 072"/> with the mandate of performing niche, Air Force specific operational tasks.

Soon after, the first batch of 100 volunteers from the IAF No.1 Airmen Training Center at [[Belgaum]], [[Karnataka]] were earmarked to undergo Garud Training at [[Gurgaon]]. The Garuds were first unveiled on 6 February 2004, when the first batch of 62 "Air Commandos" passed out of training in New Delhi.<ref>[http://mod.nic.in/samachar/march01-04/html/3a.htm Picture of Garud demonstrations during the Passing out ceremony]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=71065 IAF Garud commandoes pass out], Second passing out batch of Garuds, ''[[Indian Express]]'', December 18, 2003</ref><ref name="Indiainfo">[http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/02/05/0502iaf.html 'Garud' the special Commando Force joins IAF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204183213/http://news.indiainfo.com/2004/02/05/0502iaf.html |date=4 December 2008 }}, ''indiainfo.com'', 5 February 2004.</ref> The Garuds were first seen publicly during the Air Force Day celebrations at New Delhi on 8 October 2004.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041006/main6.htm Dhruv to star in flypast], ''The Tribune'', 5 October 2004.</ref>

In the aftermath of the [[2016 Pathankot attack|Pathankot Terror Attack]], Indian Air Force decided to raise ten additional squadrons of Garud commandos, comprising about 700 personnel, bringing the total strength of the force to 1780.<ref name=":02"/><ref name=":12"/><ref>{{Cite web|title = After Pathankot attack, IAF to induct 700 more Garud commandos {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-after-pathankot-attack-iaf-to-induct-700-more-garud-commandos-2173350|website = dna|access-date = 2016-02-03|language = en-US}}</ref>

== Responsibilities ==
The mandated tasks of the Garuds include direct action, special reconnaissance, rescuing downed pilots in hostile territory, establishing airbases in hostile territory and providing air-traffic control to these airbases.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 November 2017|title=Indian Commandos Heads To Israel For 'Major' Military Drill|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/indian-commandos-in-israel-for-2-week-long-blue-flag-military-drills/304149|access-date=27 September 2020|website=Outlook}}</ref> The Garuds also undertake [[suppression of enemy air defences|suppression of enemy air defenses]] and the destruction of other enemy assets such as radars, evaluation of the outcomes of Indian airstrikes and use [[laser designator]]s to guide Indian airstrikes.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2017-10-11|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|access-date=2020-09-27}}</ref> The security of IAF installations and assets are usually performed by the Air Force Police and the [[Defence Security Corps]] even though some critical assets are protected by the Garuds.<ref name="VK Bhatia">{{Cite web|last=V.K. Bhatia|first=Air Marshal (Retd)|date=October 2009|title=Special Forces - Garuds for All Reasons|url=http://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=363|access-date=2020-09-27|website=SP’s Aviation|language=en}}</ref>[[File:Garud Commandos at Vayu Shakti 2019.jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos at Exercise Vayu Shakti 2019.]]
Their airbase protection task also includes, when necessary, rendering inaccessible weapons systems and other assets by sealing them off.<ref name="ToI 2002" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=15 January 2016|title=Brief: Garuds (IAF Special Forces)|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134524|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214095035/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134524|archive-date=14 December 2019|access-date=2019-09-25|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India}}</ref> The tasks they perform also includes counter-terrorism, airborne assault, anti-hijacking, hostage rescue and assist civilian relief operations during calamities.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 12, 2017|title=City-based airmen were part of anti-terror operations|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/chandigarh/city-based-airmen-were-part-of-anti-terror-operations-481053|access-date=28 September 2020|website=The Tribune}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

== Organization ==
[[File:Garud Commandos of Indian Air Force (cropped).jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos.]]
Garud personnel are enlisted as airmen in the Indian Air Force. The Garud commandos are organised into fifteen 'flights'. These flights are deployed at [[Air base|air force stations]]. Each flight is led by an officer who holds the rank of a [[Squadron leader|Squadron Leader]] or a [[Flight Lieutenant]] and is composed of around 60 to 70 men who usually operate in [[squad]]s of 14 soldiers. The Garud Commando Force has a reported strength of over 1500 personnel as of 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2017-10-11|title=Garud commandoes take first casualties after operating for 12 yrs in J&K|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/garud-commandoes-take-first-casualties-after-secretly-operating-for-12-yrs-117101101012_1.html|access-date=2020-09-28}}</ref><ref name="VK Bhatia" /> A [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] rank officer commands the force.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pillarisetti|first=Jagan|date=19 October 2009|title=Garud Commando Force|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/today/unit-articles/333-garuds.html|access-date=2020-09-28|website=[[Bharat Rakshak]]|language=en-gb}}</ref> Additional personnel are planned to be added to the force.<ref>{{Cite news|title=IAF plans to raise 10 more Garud squadrons|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-plans-to-raise-10-more-garud-squadrons/articleshow/50825527.cms|access-date=2020-09-28}}</ref>

== Training ==


=== Airmen Selection Process ===
[[File:An IAF Garud in position for an assault during Radar Busting Mission carried out at an Air field in Nevada Desert on 18 Aug 08(US)19 Aug 08(India). This is part of ongoing exercise Red Flag at Air Force base Nellis, USA.jpg|thumb|A Garud Commando of IAF during a training exercise in USA, 2008.]]

Unlike its counterparts in the Army and Navy, candidates for Garud Commandos are not selected from volunteers of other branches. Recruitment to the Garuds is done directly through airmen selection centres via advertisements.

Candidates found eligible for the force is put through a process of rigorous physical training. Candidates have only one chance to become a Garud trainee. Once a recruit completes training and meets required standards, he is absorbed into the Commando force and is retained in this stream throughout his career.

Wherever he is posted in the IAF, he will be part of a Garud Unit. This approach ensures that the Commando Force retains its highly trained men all through their career with the IAF.

The first batch of Officers for the Garuds were volunteers from the Cadets of the Ground Duty Officers course being trained at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, [[Telangana]]. These officers on successful completion have been absorbed into Garud Force and will be permanently assigned to the force until the point they reach senior ranks and go for higher postings.

=== Training ===
[[File:Full Dress Rehearsal of IAF Fire Power demonstration Exercise 'Iron Fist 2013' at Pokharan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on February 19, 2013 (1).jpg|thumb|Garud Commandos para-dropping at Exercise Iron Fist at [[Pokhran]] in 2013.]]
Garud trainees undergo a 72-week training. The Basic Training course, which is the longest among all the Indian special forces but it also includes basic training. The total duration of training before a trainee can qualify as a fully operational Garud is around 3 years.

The initial phase is a three-month probationary training which filters in the promising candidates for the next phases of training. This phase, which usually has a high attrition (Drop-out) rate is conducted at the Garud Regimental Training Centre located at [[Hindon Air Force Station|Hindon]], [[Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh|Ghaziabad]] near [[New Delhi]].

The subsequent phase of special operations training is imparted by the [[Special Frontier Force]], the Army's [[Para SF]] and [[National Security Guard|NSG]]. Those who qualify, proceed to the [[Parachute Training School (Pakistan Army)|Parachute Training School]] (PTS) at [[Agra]] to complete the basic airborne phase. Trainees are trained along with paratroopers of the [[Indian Army]].

The remainder of the phases concentrates on niche fields like jungle and snow survival, demolition, etc. Garuds also train at the diving school of the [[Indian Navy]] and the Army's [[Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School]] ([[CIJWS]]). The final phase of training is active operations on being attached to Special Force Units of the [[Indian Army]], which helps the Garuds in gaining operational experience.

After induction, the commandos also undergo advanced training including anti-hijack counter-insurgency training, jungle and snow survival techniques, specialized weapon handling and advanced diving skills.<ref name="Rediff1">[http://in.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=/news/2004/feb/06garud.htm Garud: IAF's commando force takes off] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525062441/http://in.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=%2Fnews%2F2004%2Ffeb%2F06garud.htm|date=25 May 2011}}, Rediff.com, 6 February 2004.</ref>

== Uniforms & Insignia ==
Garud airmen wear the "Airman Beret Badge" on the cap. They are also parachute trained, and wear the para wings above the right pocket. The "Garud Force Patch" can be seen worn on the sleeve. The Garud Commando Badge, which was worn on the right pocket and resembles the [[National Security Guards|NSG]] badge, is no longer in use. Instead they now have a Garud Winged Badge which is gold in colour and worn on the left chest, similar to where pilot/aircrew wings are worn.

The Garuds used to wear a black beret, instead of the traditional maroon beret of the other Indian Special Forces units, but now wear the maroon beret. They sport the operational paratroopers brevet on the right chest. The formation insignia is worn on the left shoulder. The Garuds are also entitled to wear "IAF GARUD" titles on the sleeves.

== Operational deployments ==
[[File:A helicopter extracting Garud Commandos at Vayu Shakti 2019.jpg|thumb|A helicopter extracting Garud Commandos at Vayu Shakti 2019]]
Very little is known about Garud Commando operations and assignments. Garuds have been deployed to Congo as a part of the UN peacekeeping contingent. They also operate alongside Army special forces in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] to gain operational exposure. Towards this purpose, teams from the flights are attached to army SF units. The Garuds are now active in the region of Jammu and Kashmir carrying out counter insurgency operations and neutralising the terrorists in the region. Garud Commandos were tasked to provide security at the Yelahanka AFS during [[Aero India]]-2005, 2007, 2011<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080102181007/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/06/stories/2007020619560400.htm Garud to be deployed], ''[[The Hindu]]'', 6 February 2007.</ref> and 2013.<ref name="PIB2">[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=91984 Bengaluru Gears up to Host Aero-India 2013] (Press release) Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 4 February 2013.</ref>

=== 2013 Chhattisgarh helicopter shootdown ===
On January 18, 2013, an IAF helicopter, with two Garud commandos as part of the security crew, on a casualty evacuation sortie was hit by 15 bullets fired by [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency|Naxalites]] and crashed in [[Sukma district]], [[Chhattisgarh]]. A police radio operator, Yamlal Sahu, was wounded with bullets piercing his intestines.

=== 2016 Pathankot attack ===
On January 2, 2016, during the [[2016 Pathankot attack]] Garud team engaged the intruding terrorists in a firefight, during which Commando Gursewak Singh died in action.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/funeral-at-house-of-gursewak-singh-that-hosted-his-wedding-in-nov/story-iSz2p2opnThtwtQ1nruF8O.html|title = Funeral at house of Gursewak Singh that hosted his wedding in Nov|date = 4 January 2016}}</ref> All the IAF assets were declared safe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/cheat-sheet/punjab-air-force-base-terror-attack-2-terrorists-killed-gunbattle-on-1261437|title=After Day-Long Gun-Battle in Pathankot, 4 Terrorists Dead: 10 Developments}}</ref>

=== Jammu and Kashmir ===
Garud Commandos are actively deployed in the [[Lolab Valley]] and the Hajin area of Jammu and Kashmir to conduct counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="AFSOD"/> They have undertaken operations against armed militants from groups such as [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]]. These operations have included tasks such as [[Direct action (military)|direct encounters]] and intelligence gathering.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/garud-elite-commandos-anti-terrorism-jammu-kashmir-air-force-1123652-2018-01-06|title='Garud' eyes new targets in Jammu and Kashmir|date=6 January 2018|website=[[India Today]]|access-date=14 February 2020}}</ref> The following are some of the known operations conducted by Garud commandos:
*Operation Rakh Hajin: This was an operation conducted by the Garud Commandos in which six militants were killed in the [[Kashmir valley]]. The [[Ashok Chakra]] was posthumously awarded to Corporal J.P. Nirala for the same.<ref name="AFSOD">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-navy-air-force-special-forces-deployed-jointly-to-hunt-terrorists-in-kashmir-valley/articleshow/72209212.cms|title=Army, Navy, Air Force Special Forces deployed jointly to hunt terrorists in Kashmir valley|date=2019-11-24|work=[[Asian News International]]|access-date=2019-11-24|via=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
*In July 2018, two Garud commandos and two militants were killed during an intense encounter at Hajin, [[Bandipore district|Bandipora]]. According to military authorities, the Garud commandos were operating alongside the Special Operations Group of J&K police and the Indian Army.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Irfan|first=Hakeem|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/two-militants-killed-in-jk-gunfight/articleshow/61030717.cms|title=Two IAF Garud commandos, two militants killed in ongoing encounter in Hajin of Kashmir|date=2018-07-13|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-02-14}}</ref>

=== AFSOD deployments ===
In November 2019, Garuds started operating as a part of the first deployment of the [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]] in Jammu and Kashmir.<ref name="AFSOD"/>

=== Ladakh ===
Soon after the beginning of the [[2020 China–India skirmishes|2020 China–India tensions]], Garud commandos were deployed near mountain peaks considered by India to have strategic value. Their role was to defend the Indian airspace against Chinese aircraft for which they employed [[9K38 Igla]] air defence systems.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-28|title=India-China faceoff: Indian Navy's MARCOS deployed near Ladakh's Pangong lake|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-china-faceoff-indian-navy-s-marcos-deployed-near-ladakh-s-pangong-lake/story-UHg6IOBjuYfEGNqZ5EaZYM.html|access-date=2020-11-29|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

==Gallantry awards==
{{expand section|date=December 2019}}

===Ashok Chakra===
2018, (Posthumous) [[Corporal]] [[Jyoti Prakash Nirala]] of unit number 617 for displaying outstanding courage and killing 2 category ‘A’ terrorists and injuring 2 others, in an operation where 6 terrorists were killed including nephew of [[Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi]] in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Awards/awards.php?cur=150&qyear=all&qaward=SC&qunit=all|title=Shaurya Chakra Awardee List, Indian Air Force - Database|website=Bharat Rakshak|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-25}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/ashok-chakra-to-garud-commando-who-laid-down-life-in-j-k/20180125.htm|title = Ashok Chakra to Garud commando who laid down life in J-K}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/martyred-corporal-jyoti-prakash-nirala-joins-elite-iaf-club-tomorrow/articleshow/62647401.cms|title=Martyred Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala joins elite IAF club tomorrow | India News - Times of India}}</ref>
Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Wg Cdr Rajeev Chauhan
Sq ldr Dilip Gururani
Sgt Shyam Veer Singh
All got Gallantry award serving in Garud commando Force deployed inJ&k 2022.

== Equipment ==
The following firearms are reportedly used by the Garud Commando Force:

===Small arms===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|+
|-
! style="width:15%;" | Name
! style="width:10%;" | Weapon
! style="width:15%;" | Type
! style="width:5%;" | Caliber
! style="width:10%;" | Origin Country
! Notes
|-
! colspan="7" |Handguns
|-
|[[Glock 17]]
|[[File:GLOCK 19.JPG|Glock 19|150px]]||[[Semi-automatic pistol]]||[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]||{{AUT}}||'''Status: In service''', as Standard pistol
|-
|-
|[[Beretta 92FS]]
|[[File:Beretta-92FS.jpg|frameless|152x152px]]
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|{{ITA}}||'''Status: In service''', in small numbers.
|-
|[[Beretta M9]]
|[[File:Beretta-M9A3-9mm.jpg|frameless|152x152px]]
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|{{ITA}}||'''Status: In service''', in small numbers.
|-
|[[IWI Tavor TAR-21]]
|[[File:IWI-Tavor-TAR-21w1.jpg|IMI Tavor|150px]]||[[Assault rifle]]||[[5.56×45mm NATO]]||{{ISR}}||'''Status: In service''' Standard issued rifle.
|-
|-
|[[IMI Galil#Variants|IMI Galil 7.62 Sniper]]
|[[File:Galil-Sniper-Galatz-r001.jpg|Galil Sniper|150px]]||[[Sniper rifle]]|| 7.62×51mm NATO ||{{ISR}}||'''Status: In service''' Standard issued Sniper rifle

|-
|[[IWI Negev]]
|[[File:IWI-Negev-Zachi-Evenor-01-white.jpg|150px]]||[[Light machine gun]]||5.56×45mm NATO||{{ISR}}||'''Status: In service''', Standard Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) of special forces
|-
|FAB Defense [[AK-47]]
|[[File:AK74M FAB Defense tuning (3).jpg|thumb]]
|[[Assault Rifle]]
|[[7.62×39mm]]
|{{USSR}} {{ISR}}
|Status: In service, in
Large numbers. Standard issue 7.62×39mm Assault Rifle.
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[Special Forces of India]]
* [[Indian Armed Forces|Indian armed forces]]
* [[Army ranks and insignia of India|Indian military ranks]]
* [[Indian Air Force]]
* [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division|Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD)]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060325060141/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special-Forces/Garud.html Garud Commando Force] on [[Bharat Rakshak]].
* [http://mod.nic.in/samachar/march01-04/html/ch2.htm Garuds: Where Eagles Dare] in [[Sainik Samachar]]
*
{{Commons category-inline|Garud Commando}}

{{Air force infantry}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Special forces of India]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the Indian Air Force]]
[[Category:Air force special forces units]]
[[Category:Counterterrorist organizations]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in India]]

Garud Commando Force - Revision history

2405:201:4011:307E:5D66:A0A4:1A94:7E7 at 16:52, 12 November 2022